Monthly Archives: September 2012

Nikki Fisher was born Monika Groebel in East Germany after WW II. She was a child of privilege but even this did not guarantee a happy life. Chocolate Rabbit, by Petra Sabine Manning and published by Dorrance Publishing, is the story of how Monika became Nikki. It is a story filled with history, culture, politics, ethics and love.
Monika and her parents escaped to West Germany. One day her father disappeared. Then her mother died . Now an orphan she was adopted by an American family who took her to their home in Chicago. An opportunity to work as a translator takes her back to Europe. Once there, she reconnected and confronted her past. Unanswered questions were finally answered but her quest placed her life in grave danger.
This is an exciting book . The characters are vividly brought to life and they are central to this intriguing story. The power of this book is that it is captivating and holds the interest of the reader.

I received a complimentary copy of Chocolate Rabbit as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team and I give this review of my own free will.

Rudy My Story, by Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger with Mark Dagostino, is the memoir of the man who is the inspiration of the famous movie Rudy. The movie itself is exciting and motivating- a true feel good story. This book provides an in depth look into the man who would overcome learning disabilities, gain admittance to Notre Dame and to actually suit up for a football game. What transpired at the end of the game might be considered amongst the most exciting twenty-seven seconds in the history of college football.

Mr. Ruettiger candidly tells his story. He shares his inspirations, motivations and desires while always praising those who stood by him and helped him to achieve his dreams. He readily admits his mistakes. He humbly accepts the praise and thanks he has received from those who themselves were inspired by his story. While the movie ends with Rudy being carried off the football field on the shoulders of his teammates, his story continues. It took ten years filled with endless effort and determination before another dream came to fruition when the movie Rudy was released and took on a life of its own.

Even for those who have not seen the movie, this is a book that should be read because it is filled with valuable advice. Like the movie, the book is exciting. Mr. Ruettiger and Mr. Dagostino have done an excellent job of telling the story of a special person who has created an enduring legacy.
I received this book at no charge from BookSneeze and I give this review of my own free will.

Agnes Grey lived in Yancey, Alaska. She ran a store called the Russian-American Trading Post. Her death as the result of a plane crash turns into a murder investigation with surprising results. Ten years before Agnes’s death her niece, Bailey Craig, left Yancey for good-or so she thought. Agnes made Bailey her heir and because of Bailey’s love for her aunt, she does return to Yancey for Agnes’s funeral and with the intention of selling the Post. She planned to leave Yancey as soon as she could. She didn’t want to face her past.
It has been said that you can’t go back home again. Up to this point in time Bailey believed she couldn’t and wouldn’t return to Yancey. She was filled with shame and remorse about her past life in Yancey. Bailey had broken Cole McKenna’s heart all those years ago. Upon her reappearance Cole discovered that Bailey had changed. She is not the same person that had caused him so much pain. It became evident that Bailey had to prolong her stay in order to assist in the murder investigation. Several sub plots converge. Bailey and Cole struggle with their feelings for each other. Why would anyone want Agnes dead? Two strangers were also murdered. Cole, his family and Bailey found themselves in a life threatening situation while trying to solve the murders.
Submerged is a story filled with suspense, romance and intrigue. The past is superimposed on the present and are skillfully brought together. In addition, the author brought the characters to life which resulted in a wonderfully readable novel.

I received this book at no charge from Bethany House Publishers and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.